Guntur | Nov 10, 2025:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that the state government is placing top priority on public health. He announced that every family in the state will receive health insurance coverage worth ₹25 lakh, under the proposed Universal Health Insurance Policy.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the new Super Specialty Eye Care Centre at Shankar Eye Hospital in Pedakakani, Guntur district. The event was attended by Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipathi Sri Sri Sri Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati Swamiji.
Speaking at the event, Chandrababu praised the Shankar Eye Hospital for its dedicated service to the underprivileged. He noted that the hospital has been offering free eye examinations and surgeries for decades, changing the lives of thousands. He appreciated the hospital for performing over 30 lakh free eye surgeries across 14 eye hospitals in 10 states over the last fifty years. The Guntur branch alone has conducted more than 4 lakh free surgeries since 2003.
“Health Is the Real Wealth”
The Chief Minister emphasized that illness is the biggest form of poverty. He stated that the government is working to protect public health on a priority basis.
“We are introducing a Universal Health Insurance Scheme. Under this program, each family will receive medical coverage up to ₹25 lakh. Every individual will be covered for ₹2.5 lakh,” he said.
Chandrababu also shared that the government is collaborating with Tata Group to establish digital health nerve centers called Sanjeevani Centers across the state. These centers will help store and manage health records of nearly 5 crore citizens securely online.
He added that the government’s vision aligns with the ideals of Adi Shankaracharya, aiming to build a society free from suffering and poverty.
Kanchi Peetham’s Service Lauded
Chandrababu praised the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham for continuing its tradition of spiritual and social service. He noted that Shankar Eye Hospital began its mission in 1977 and is now nearing its *Golden Jubilee. He expressed his intention to attend the upcoming *50-year celebrations of the foundation.
Prior to the public event, the Chief Minister visited various departments of the hospital, where officials explained the ongoing medical services, eye donation initiatives, and surgery programs. Hospital representatives honored him with a shawl and presented a Thanjavur painting.
The event was attended by Union Minister Pemmana Chandrasekhar, MLAs, and representatives of the Shankar Eye Foundation.